News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Syria truce extended by 48 hours

The United States and Russia say that a cessation of hostilities in Syria is largely holding, despite some violations, and it should be extended by 48 hours. Syrian government forces and rebels have yet to withdraw from a road to be used to deliver supplies to Aleppo, as agreed under the truce deal. The United Nations humanitarian affairs spokesman David Swanson says an aid convoy remains in the customs area on the border with Turkey: "We currently have 20 trucks to provide food assistance for approximately 40,000 people for one month. We are trying to remain as hopeful as possible, but this is an incredibly complex crisis situation."

New peace initiative for eastern Ukraine

A new, seven-day ceasefire between the Ukrainian government and Russian-backed separatists has come into effect in eastern Ukraine. The ceasefire, which began at midnight local time, was announced by the German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier who is visiting Ukraine along with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault. The truce has the backing of Moscow and more peace talks are planned for next week.

Austrian tourist dies in Bali boat explosion

It is being reported that an Austrian woman has been killed in an explosion on a speedboat that was ferrying foreign tourists from the Indonesian tourist island of Bali to neighbouring Lombok. Twenty people, including nationals from Britain, France, Italy, Spain and Germany, were hurt in the blast. Police have not yet determined the cause of the explosion.

Green light for UK´s Hinkley Point nuclear plant

Theresa May has given the go-ahead for the first new nuclear power plant in the UK in a generation, ending weeks of uncertainty and diplomatic tension over the deal. The British Prime Minister ordered a comprehensive review of the €21 billion Hinkley Point C project in July. The plant is to be built by the French utilities firm EDF, with China funding one third of the construction.

The weather

Plenty of sunshine, with isolated showers or thunderstorms in the west. Highs today from 23 to 31.

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